Ohio opening newest inmate reintegration center

Copyright 2013 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio -- The state is preparing to open the latest prison unit aimed at better integrating Ohio inmates back into society by giving them constructive activities eight to 12 hours a day.

About 70 prisoners at the Chillicothe Correctional Institution eligible for the program can take classes through Ashland University, work on a prison farm, help build state salt trucks or participate in substance abuse counseling or religious programs.

Chillicothe's reintegration unit was scheduled to open Wednesday morning with remarks by warden Norm Robinson, who says the goal is giving inmates the opportunity to make good decisions about their lives.

Ohio prisons director Gary Mohr says inmates need the real-life experience of working eight hours a day and figuring how to balance work and personal activities.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.